The Union Minister of state for Home, Kiren Rijiju today expressed the need for North Eastern Region to trade with the neighbouring countries to rejuvenate the economy of border people. Mr. Rijiju said 98 percent of the region is connected with neighboring countries and only 2 per cent is connected with the Siliguri corridor with the mainland India and it is imperative that the region has trade relations with these countries. Addressing the Cooperative Summit in Shillong, organized by National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) for the Development of Cooperatives in North Eastern Region, Mr. Rijiju informed the gathering that he has taken up initiative with other stakeholders like the Customs and Ministry of Trade and Commerce in this regard. He also stressed on the need to have at-least two ports in every state in order to trade with the neighboring countries.<br/><br/>Expressing concern over the geographical isolation and sense of alienation from the mainland India, Mr. Rijiju said that cooperative movement should be able to empower the people of the North Eastern Region economically. The Minister also said that he would study the reports of the Summit and take corrective measures to take the cooperative movement forward across the country.<br/><br/>Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Cooperation, Mohanbhai Kalaynjibhai Kundaria said the cooperatives are working as engine of inclusive growth and bringing the socio-economic development in lives of small and marginal farmers, rural artisans, rural women and weaker sections of society.